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According to Miguel Delaney, Tottenham Hotspur had two centre-backs on their wishlist but could not get close to agreeing a deal for either player before the window slammed shut.
Tottenham added a number ten to their squad last week with the acquisition of Xavi Simons, and Spurs added to their forward line on transfer deadline day by landing Randal Kolo Muani on loan.
It had been widely reported that on deadline day, Tottenham were also scouring the market for a centre-back, but the club failed to strengthen their defence before the 7 pm deadline.
In the final days of the transfer window, it was widely reported that Spurs made an approach for Manuel Akanji, but it was Inter Milan who secured the Man City star’s services on deadline day.
Tottenham wanted to land Manuel Akanji or his Man City teammate
Akanji was not the only City player linked with a move to N17, with reports indicating that Nathan Ake was also on Tottenham’s radar.
In fact, it was revealed that Spurs had spoken to Ake’s representatives as well as Man City regarding a deal for the Netherlands international.
Miguel Delaney has now confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur were indeed keen on landing one of Ake or Akanji, but a deal for either player proved beyond their reach.
The journalist told The Independent’s Inside Football newsletter: “Spurs would have liked to bring in either Manuel Akanji or Nathan Ake, but couldn’t get close on either.”
Alasdair Gold explains why Tottenham may have failed to sign a defender
Late on deadline day, Alasdair Gold provided an interesting reason why Tottenham failed to get a centre-back through the door.
He suggested that the centre-backs on Tottenham’s radar may have been unwilling to play second fiddle to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Meanwhile, when pressed over the weekend on whether Spurs need a centre-back, Thomas Frank said he is happy with the defensive options at his disposal.
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